Method and apparatus for assembling large panels

Abstract

An apparatus for assembling large panels, e.g. solar panels, from smaller, preformed sections comprising a plurality of press tables which are coupled to a carousel structure whereby each table can be located at one work station and then moved through a series of controlled stops to an unloading station. Each press table is comprised of a frame having a smooth surface onto which the preformed sections of the panels are positioned and, a press rack which is lowered to bring supports into contact with the adhesive on the backs of the preformed sections to form the large panel.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for assembling panels from a plurality of preformed sections, said system comprising: a carousel structural pivotably mounted in the floor of an assembly area;   a plurality of press tables attached to said carousel structure and adapted to be rotated thereby, each of said press tables comprising;   a frame;   one or more plates mounted on said frame, and said plates forming a surface adapted to receive the number of said preformed sections necessary to form said panels in an aligned relationship;   means for applying adhesive to said preformed sections;   wheel means on said frame positioned between said frame and the floor of said assembly area;   a press rack pivotably mounted on said frame and adapted to move between an up position away from said surface and a down position where said press rack is substantially parallel and adjacent said surface; said press rack comprising;   a frame support structure;   means on said frame support structure for releasably securing one or more support members to said frame support structure in a position where each of said support members will contact and rest on, and adhesively bond to all of said preformed sections on said surface when said press rack is in a down position; means for applying pressure to each of said support members downward toward said sections when said press rack is in a down position; and   means to rotate said carousel structure to thereby simultaneously move all of said plurality of press tables in a circular direction.   
     
     
       2. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably securing said support members to said press rack comprises: one or more press bars spaced along said press rack, each of said press bars having one or more recesses therein, said recesses being positioned so that respective recesses on adjacent press bars are aligned to receive one of said support members; and   means for mounting each of said press bars to said frame support structure for limited movement away from and toward said frame support structure.   
     
     
       3. The system of claim 2 wherein said means for releasably securing said support members include: magnets mounted in said recesses on said press bars.   
     
     
       4. The system of claim 3 wherein said means for applying pressure to said support members comprises: one or more inflatable boots positioned between said frame support structure and each of said press bars.   
     
     
       5. The system of claim 4 including: means on said one or more press bars for releasably securing one or more cross-supports to said press bar in a position where each of said cross-members will be in contact with each of said support members.   
     
     
       6. The system of claim 5 including: power means to move said press rack between said up and down positions.   
     
     
       7. The system of claim 6 wherein said power means comprises: a work cylinder connected between said frame and said frame support section.   
     
     
       8. The system of claim 7 wherein said wheel means comprises: at least one chapter pivotably mounted near the outer end of said frame; and   at least one wheel journalled to said frame near the inner end of said frame.   
     
     
       9. The system of claim 8 wherein said means to rotate said carousel structure comprises: a motor mounted on at least one of said plurality of press tables; and   means to connect said motor to said at least one wheel journalled on said at least one of said plurality of said press tables to drive said at least one wheel.